As humans, we are always in motion and looking for ways to move forward and benefit our future selves.
I've been on summer break for a couple weeks now, and this entire vacation I have been reflecting on the courses I'll be taking next semester and what else I can fit into my schedule. I have an on-campus job but I would love to pick up another job to have some extra income while at school. I know I want to join a couple more clubs and do some volunteer work that I did not do freshman year.
Not only am I thinking about the next semester and school year, I am also thinking about next summer and what type of internship I should be looking to take on. I don't know what I want to do as my career yet, so internships will be an important element in deciding my future.
While all of this is good to think about, I can’t ignore the fact that I'm spending too much of my time planning out the future instead of enjoying the present. It is astounding how quickly time has gone by. For example, I spent all of high school striving to get the best grades possible and being a well-rounded student so that I could have my choice of colleges. Now looking back, I know all of the hard work was worth it but I also wish that I had lived in the present more.
Therefore, I am going to try to spend more time in the present. I want to enjoy being in a time of my life where not knowing is okay. Although daydreaming about my future and all the possibilities that come with it is fun, I also know that no matter how much I plan I cannot control what is going to happen.
So, for now, I'm going to try to focus on the current me and enjoy my time with family and friends over the summer.